What benefits are available for military spouses and children?

Benefits for spouses and children of members of the U.S. military include the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, the Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance and the Military Spouse Preference Program. These benefits are not provided automatically and require specific qualifications.

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, or MyCAA Scholarship, grants a maximum of $4,000 in financial assistance to military spouses currently seeking either a license, certification or associate degree in an affiliated institute. The spouses of active duty, guard and reserve members can qualify if the military member in question is on Title 10 military orders and is within the ranks of E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O1 to O2.

Up to $100,000 in life insurance coverage is available to spouses of military members following enrollment in the Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance program. The lowest options begin at $10,000, while children dependents are awarded no more than that amount under any circumstance. The Military Personnel Office is responsible for enrollment.

Military spouses are allowed preferential employment placement in vacant Department of Defense civilian jobs through the Military Spouse Preference Program. Vacancies are categorized as either civil service or Appropriated/Non-Appropriates Funds. A local Civilian Personnel Office or Human Resources Office can assist with finding vacancies.